Aberdeen Magazine November/December 2020

CELEBRATING 75 YEARS

CHAPLAIN

Snow Queen Scholarship Program Reigns On pg. 40

REGULARS

04 FROM THE EDITOR

06 BUZZ

Your source for what’s happening in Aberdeen.

14 CALENDAR

Never miss an event in the Hub City.

FEATURES

16 2020: A TIME TO REFLECT

The United Way shares how the pandemic has affected our local non-profits and some thoughtful ideas to consider when giving this holiday season.

18 TIMES GONE BY

It’s more than just an old picture. Artist Kevin Kendall adds vibrant color to restored dingy black and white photographs to help folks reconnect to their community's roots and history.

20 A STORYBOOK LAND CHRISTMAS

Did you have a Wizard of Oz felt ornament on your Christmas tree growing up? Find out where it may have come from and how the Storybook Land Sewers’ 50+ year legacy continues today.

24 THE BEST SHOWS ON HULU RIGHT NOW

The biggest question on a chilly winter evening is this: “What’s on TV?” Columnist James Heisinger has the answer with three shows and movies you can watch tonight.

26 A MINISTRY OF PRESENCE

“It is a calling to do the work they do and my privilege to show up and support them.”

Aberdeen’s Chaplain Corps walks with police officers, firefighters, and first responders through ordinary circumstances and times of need.

32 MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT

Consider your drink menu for your next holiday party done and done! We’re bringing you five festive and delicious cocktails, such as North Pole Nog and Yuletide Mule.

40 ALL HAIL THE QUEENS

If you think Snow Queen is a beauty pageant, think again. The festival is one of the longest-standing scholarship programs for young women in the state and will celebrate its 75th anniversary this January.

48 ABERDEEN’S 2020 RINGNECK RUSH

Pheasant hunting season continues throughout the state until the end of January. If you’re a visiting hunter or a local, flip to our guide on where to stay, where to shop, and where to go for all hunting resources in Brown County.

50 DECK THE HALLS

One of the highlights of the holiday season for Eric Myers and Kristen Kwasniewski is decorating their home. Step into their showstopping decor, where every room has a theme and personal memories tie it all together.

58 SOMETHING ABOUT A PRESIDENT

Can you guess which five U.S. presidents have visited Aberdeen while in office? Hint: The answer and all the details are on page 58.

64 GREETINGS FROM ABERDEEN

Many of our traditions were disrupted this year, so our publisher, Troy McQuillen, designed a mural inspired by a 1940s Aberdeen postcard and started a photo contest to bring us together around an old tradition. Check out the photos and find out who won!

66 TO OUR SPONSORS: THANK YOU.

We are counting our blessings this year more than ever and at the top of our list are the small business owners who have supported Aberdeen Magazine throughout 2020. Thank you for making this publication possible.

68 TELL US YOUR THOUGHTS

Aberdeen Magazine wants to hear from you!

Feelin’ our content? You really should subscribe ;-) Do it now at aberdeenmag.com/subscribe



ON THE COVER

The South Dakota Snow Queen Festival will celebrate its 75th anniversary this winter. On the cover are four of the 2020 Snow Queens and Princesses. L to R: Princess of Winter, Sydney Jessen, Miller. Outfit by Lily’s. 2020 Princess of Summer, Avery Sylte, Ipswich. Outfit by Mainstream Boutique. 2020 Jr. Snow Queen, Annika Estwick, Sisseton. Outfit by Skal Moon. And, 2020 Snow Queen, Chesney Olson, Langford. Outfit by The Fuze. Thank you to our local boutiques who provided outfits and helped us show a different side of the participants other than the usual evening attire for this photoshoot. Photo by Bremer Photography.

Hi everyone! I’m writing the editor’s letter to introduce these pages, but I can’t take any credit for them.

Your editor, Karlie Spiry, took another opportunity just as production for this November/December issue was wrapping up. She is an uber-talented writer and dear friend, and everyone here will miss the creativity she poured into Aberdeen Magazine this past year. Thank you for everything, Karlie, and best wishes on your next role!

I was the editor just before Karlie, and I feel so grateful to be back! Mostly because I’ve missed talking to all of you and getting to hear your stories.

Speaking of grateful, we want to extend a huge “thank you” in this issue to all of our sponsors, especially those throughout 2020. Flip to page 66 to see the amazing businesses in our community who made Aberdeen Magazine possible this year.

Jenny Roth MANAGING EDITOR

This issue is the perfect way to end 2020 because it looks back on times past as well as our future. You can read about past presidential visits to Aberdeen (pg. 58), artist Kevin Kendall, who is restoring color to historical Aberdeen photographs (pg. 18), and the legacy of the Storybook Land Sewers (pg. 20).

Along with all of this history, we’re also getting to know our 2020 South Dakota Snow Queens and how this scholarship festival has opened doors for young women for 74 years and counting (pg. 40). And, you’ll meet the Chaplain Corps, who continuously support our local first responders and police department today (pg. 26).

We’re tying it all together with a nod to the holidays (can you believe it’s that time of year already?!). You’ll find five delicious and festive drinks on page 32 and a home decorated with Christmas spirit on page 50. Last but not least, if you’re looking for your next binge-worthy TV show or movie while on holiday break, our new columnist James Heisinger brings you some of Hulu’s biggest hits on page 24. Thank you for reading Aberdeen Magazine. We’re looking forward to bringing you even more great content in 2021! //

CONTRIBUTORS

 DON BREMER is an Aberdeen native and the secondgeneration owner of Bremer Photography. Founded in 1975, by Don Sr., Bremer Photography is celebrating their 45th anniversary in 2020.

 PATRICK GALLAGHER is a regular contributor commenting on Aberdeen’s personality, food options, and history.

 DANI MCQUILLEN loves parties with themes, decorations, and creative cooking as befits the granddaughter of the original Sioux "Martha Stewart" of the Prairie. As a mother of five, with three still at home, she's a master of large, budget-friendly meals.

 DANIEL WISE was born and raised in Aberdeen and grew up living in Washington, D.C. When not spending time with family and friends, Daniel loves watching and writing about soccer.

 JENIFER FJELSTAD is a journalism and French major studying at Augustana University. In her free time, she enjoys dancing in hip-hop and pom styles with the Augustana Spirit Squad.

 JAMES HEISINGER is a junior at NSU and a writer for Northern's newspaper, The Exponent. He writes movie reviews and serves as president of the NSU Honors Club.

 KARLIE SPIRY is the former managing editor of Aberdeen Magazine. She now works in education, but in her free time, she cooks and creates original recipes.

 ANGIE CLEBERG and AARON SCHULTZ are on the executive team at the United Way of Northeastern South Dakota. The United Way is instrumental in providing support for health and human service programs in our community.

MANAGING EDITOR

Jenny Roth

PUBLISHER

Troy McQuillen

DESIGN

Eliot Lucas

AD SALES

Julie Lillis

julie.aberdeenmag@gmail.com

PUBLICATION OFFICE

McQuillen Creative Group 423 S. Main St., Suite 1 Aberdeen SD, 57401 605.226.3481

PRINTING

Midstates Printing

SUBMISSIONS

Aberdeen Magazine welcomes your input. Message us your story ideas, drop off historic photos, or stop in for a chat. Email us at: troy@mcquillencreative.com

WEBSITE

www.aberdeenmag.com

PRIVACY STATEMENT

Any personal information, email addresses, or contact submitted to the editorial office or online via our Facebook page will not be sold or distributed. Aberdeen Magazine does wish to publish public comments and attitudes regarding Aberdeen, therefore written submissions and comments on our Facebook page implies permission to utilize said information in editorial content.

Aberdeen Magazine is produced exclusively in Aberdeen, South Dakota. All content is copyright with all rights reserved. No content may be shared, copied, scanned, or posted online without permission. Please just ask us first. We're pretty flexible.

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www.mcquillencreative.com

Her Vote. Her Voice.

Just 100 years ago, the course of the nation changed with the passing of the 19th Amendment. It allowed the right for white women to vote. August 26, Women’s Equality Day, marked the centennial of when the amendment went into effect. Her Vote. Her Voice., a non-partisan delegation from the South Dakota State Historical Society appointed by Governor Kristi Noem, celebrated the occasion. Across South Dakota, popular landmarks lit up purple in solidarity. In Aberdeen, the courthouse blazed purple as well. Northern State University held a reenactment of a historic women’s rights parade with historical speeches read on the campus green during the day. // -

Karlie Spiry

 For more information on Her Vote. Her Voice., check out their Facebook page South Dakota Women’s Vote Celebration.

Intentional Kindness

Consciously choosing to be happier may sound easier than it is. Nicole J. Phillips, motivational speaker and author of The Negativity Remedy, believes that it’s possible to draw in more positivity by saying no to negativity and intentionally choosing kindness. In September, Nicole’s book was featured as the All Aberdeen Reads selection at the K.O. Lee Aberdeen Public Library. As a way to create a sense of community, the All Aberdeen Reads selects books that promote intergenerational and multicultural conversations among community members. Copies of The Negativity Remedy can be purchased through Amazon, or at Ken’s, the Dacotah Prairie Museum, Kessler’s, and Karisma in Aberdeen. // - Karlie Spiry

 For more information about the book or Nicole, visit www.nicolejphillips.com.

Christmas Shopping Locally

It’s uncertain what Black Friday will look like in 2020, but Winterfest is set to continue for its 42nd consecutive year. On the weekend before Thanksgiving, craft vendors and fine and folk artists set up their booths in the Civic Arena for Aberdeen locals to shop to their heart’s content for the perfect holiday gift. Although this year’s Winterfest is expected to have fewer booths to make more room for social distancing, that won’t stop vendors from sharing their handmade wares. // - Karlie Spiry

 Winterfest will take place from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on November 21, and 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on November 22. To see an exhibitor’s list, visit www.aberdeenareaartscouncil. com/events/winterfest.

 Fine and folk artists will be ready for your holiday shopping needs at this year’s Winterfest. The event happens the weekend before Thanksgiving and will have social distancing measures in place.

 In her new book, The Negativity Remedy, local author Nicole J. Phillips shares how little changes can help us reverse negative thought patterns and choose kindness.

 In Aberdeen, the courthouse lit up in purple this August as part of a statewide celebration honoring the centennial anniversary of the 19th Amendment.

Photos by Troy McQuillen

Johnson Honors

Vietnam Vets

The importance of honoring the sacrifice Vietnam veterans have made for us is something Representative Dusty Johnson wants to make sure is done right. In September, he honored Vietnam veterans outside the War Memorial Building at the airport for their service. At the ceremony, each veteran received a lapel pin inscribed with the message, “A grateful nation thanks and honors you,” and a service coin that signifies their sacrifice. The veterans honored at the ceremony were Herb Brosz, Mark Wolf, Ray Pfeifle, Don Jondahl, Dave Green, Roger Schaible, Ron Neitzel, Galen “Chip” Swanson, Stuart Himes, and Gary Sombke. If you know of a Vietnam veteran who has yet to be recognized, Representative Johnson said to call his Rapid City office at 605.646.6454. // -

Karlie Spiry

Some Mo’s Cakes, Please!

Have a sweet tooth and looking to try something different? Mo’s Cakes opened in September, and owner Madyson Ogdahl has cakes, cookies, and cupcakes to match any craving. She specializes in customized baked goods for all occasions. With ten scrumptious cake flavors, six frostings, and fillings that range from mousse, pudding, and specialties, Madyson makes just about any dessert you can dream up. To check out some of her most recent designs and to place an order, visit www.moscakes.com or call 605.380.5267. // -

Karlie Spiry

The Band Played On

There may not be a parade or football game this year for Northern’s homecoming, but that hasn’t stopped NSU’s Marching Wolves from playing on and sharing cheer around the community. Throughout the fall semester, the college marching band has continued to practice and fine-tune their skills in line with social distancing guidelines while also performing around Aberdeen. Marching Wolves Director Dr. Travis Netzer said, “The students' resilience to adapt and keep playing music has been inspiring. They know music is worth fighting for." The Marching Wolves have played for several nursing homes around Aberdeen, and they have also put on a special performance for Aberdeen Police and Fire on Main. // - Karlie

Spiry

 In September, Representative Dusty Johnson (center) honored a group of local Vietnam veterans for their service and sacrifice. Photo courtesy Rep. Johnson's Office.

 Madyson Ogdahl is the owner of Mo’s Cakes, a new bakery in Aberdeen that serves up custom cakes and other baked goods. Photo by Abby Brick Photography.

 Undeterred by canceled homecoming festivities, the NSU Marching Wolves continued bringing music to Aberdeen this fall by hosting socially distant performances and rehearsals around town. Photo by Troy McQuillen.

Sun And Self-Care

Sun City Tanning Studio is open at 2220 Sixth Avenue Southeast. They have five sunbeds, including one stand-up bed, and a variety of skincare products you won’t find anywhere else. Owner Abby Cogley said as a busy working mom, she wanted to create a space where people can sneak away for a little bit of self-care whenever they want. The studio offers a 24hour access option so you can tan after hours, plus three unlimited tanning packages to choose from that start at $29.95/month. // - Jenny Roth  For more details, call 605.622.0072 or visit www.suncityaberdeen.com.

55+ Housing Development Breaks Ground

Refuge Retreats broke ground just south of Carlsen Funeral Home and Crematory in late September. The upcoming 55+ housing development will include 56 two-bedroom or one-bedroom homes, each with an attached garage, high-end appliances, landscape maintenance and snow removal, and several additional amenities. All of the homes will be for lease, with some expected to be move-in ready by 2021. Central to the development will be a private clubhouse for residents to enjoy a workout room, coffee bar, and gathering areas. The project is a joint effort between locals Michael and Lisa Carlsen, Allie and Jordan Ryckman, Chad and Kendra Huff, and Cory and Angela Huff. // - Jenny Roth  To learn more, visit www.therefugeretreats.com.

Ken’s Bottle Shop Remodels

In August, Ken’s SuperFair Foods celebrated the grand reopening of their newly remodeled liquor store and beer cave. CEO Kevin Fiedler said their reopening week was a success, with around $3,500 in prizes given away. The new bottle shop features over 550 new items, including several South Dakota wines, import beers, microbrews, vodkas, bourbons, whiskeys, rums, liqueurs, and gins. Shoppers can park on the south side of Ken’s to access the liquor store’s direct entrance and enjoy plenty of room to browse once inside. // -

Jenny Roth

 L to R: Sasha Maunu, Hailey Gould, and Brad Krueger are team members helping out at the newly remodeled liquor store and beer cave at Ken’s SuperFair Foods.

 Coming soon to Aberdeen is Refuge Retreats, a new housing development for those 55 and older. Pictured at the groundbreaking ceremony are, L to R: Jordan and Allie Ryckman, Chad and Kendra Huff, Cory and Angela Huff, and Michael and Lisa Carlsen.

 Owner Abby Cogley opened a 24-hour-access, 5-sunbed tanning studio on Sixth Avenue this September.

Photos by Troy McQuillen

Veteran Center Launches New Campaign

Mural Brightens Sixth Avenue

Local artists Nick and Nicole Fischer have undertaken their largest outdoor mural yet to keep a piece of summer year-round in Aberdeen. The painting is on the west side of the Woodman Refrigeration building. Driving east along Sixth Avenue, you can’t miss the billowing umbrellas, colorful streamers, smiling dog in sunglasses, and flowers blowing in the breeze. Acknowledging the work Woodmans does in the Aberdeen area, the painting portrays a fan keeping everything nice and cool on a hot summer’s day. People are welcome to stop and view the mural and even take their photo with it. The Aberdeen Area Arts Council commissioned the project.

//

- Jenny Roth

Apparel For Last Chance Friends

Business partners Gene Krueger and Dennis Schaffer owned the Last Chance Bar at 1023 S. Main from 19832001. Along the way, they made a lot of memories that are still being celebrated today inside the Last Chance Friends private Facebook group, where former patrons and employees swap stories and reminisce. Last Chance Friends also have the opportunity to order apparel featuring the business’s original logo, designed in 1984 by Monte Wahl’s DSS Image Apparel. If you’re a fan of the Last Chance Bar and would like to join the fun, ask someone you know who is a member of the Facebook group to send you an invite.

//

- Jenny Roth

 Former owner of the Last Chance Bar, Gene Krueger, has a Facebook group where friends of the establishment share memories and have the chance to buy apparel with the bar’s original logo.

The Aberdeen Area Veterans, Inc.’s new veteran center is kicking off the veteran appeal portion of their fundraising efforts. Heading up their Building Common Ground Campaign is Retired Brigadier General Thomas Croymans of Aberdeen. BG Croymans retired from the SD Army National Guard in May of 2019 after more than 43 years of service.

The total cost for the new center is estimated at $5.2 million. Located on North Roosevelt Street, it will be a common location for any veteran (and community member) needing to connect with other veterans, veteran services and programs, and educational opportunities.

The AAVI is accepting 3-5 year pledges from anyone, including cash, appreciated marketable securities, land, or other assets that can be readily converted to cash. You can also donate in memory of deceased veterans, family members, and friends.

//

- Troy McQuillen

 To give toward the AAVI Building Common Ground Campaign, contact Michelle at 605.626.1470, or visit www.aberdeenvets.org.

Photos by Troy McQuillen

 A new mural by local artists Nick and Nicole Fischer adds a summer-like scene to the west side of the Woodman Refrigeration building on Sixth Avenue.

NOV

10TH ANNUAL BRIDAL SHOWCASE

November 1

12:00 - 3:00 PM

Dakota Event Center

Free admission

 Getting married? This is the place to browse local wedding vendors and find inspiration for your special day.

www.dakotaeventcenter.com

ALL ABERDEEN READS

VIRTUAL AUTHOR EVENT

November 10

7:00 - 8:00 PM

K.O. Lee Aberdeen Public Library

Facebook Page

Free event

 Author Nicole Phillips talks about her book, The Negativity Remedy, and how kindness has changed her life.

 605.626.7097

CHRISTMAS AT THE BARN

November 13-15

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sunday 12:00 - 3:00 PM

Front Porch 605, Groton, SD

Free admission

 Find the perfect vintage or new Christmas gift at the Front Porch 605. www.frontporch605.com

ELECTION DAY

November 3

7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

 It’s Election Day! Don’t forget to head to the polls and vote. Visit sdsos.gov to find your polling location.

AUCS PRESENTS

“CLASSICS 101”

November 7

7:30 PM

Jewett Theater, NSU

Free admission

 Join the Aberdeen University/ Civic Symphony for a concert featuring classics by Beethoven, Mendelssohn, and Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto with Dr. Rolf Olson. www.aberdeensymphony.org

FALL JAZZ CONCERT

November 12

7:30 PM

Jewett Theater, NSU

Free admission

 You are invited to the Northern State University School of Fine Arts Fall Jazz Concert. No need to purchase tickets or pre register for this free event.

 605.626.2497

WINGS HOME GAMES

November 13-14 & December 18-19

7:15 PM

 Cheer on your Aberdeen Wings hockey team at their final home match-ups of the year. Tickets at www.aberdeenwings.com.

WINTERFEST

November 21 -22

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sunday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Aberdeen Civic Arena

Free admission

 Support local artisans this holiday season by shopping at the 42nd annual Winterfest. Choose from nearly 50 booths of handmade gifts. www.aberdeenareaartscouncil.com

 Winterfest

CHRISTMAS TREE LANE

November 24 - December 31

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM,

Tuesday - Friday

Dacotah Prairie Museum

Free admission

 Stop by the museum to see their display of over 40 dazzling Christmas trees and holiday wreaths.

 605.626.7117

SMALL BUSINESS

SATURDAY

November 28

All day

Your local stores

 Shop small for the holidays and support your favorite Aberdeen businesses. Watch each individual store for their sales and promotions.

WINTER CRAZY DAYS

Date: TBA

Various downtown businesses

Free event

 Come check out the amazing deals at your downtown businesses during this shopping event! Goodies will be on hand to ensure shoppers are warm and cozy. www.aberdeendowntown.org

INDOOR ICE SKATING

Daily through February 3:45 - 6:15 PM weekdays, 1:15 - 3:45 PM Saturdays, 6:15 - 8:45 PM Sundays

Odde Ice Arena

$2 adults, $1 youth

 Open skate times for families and all ages. Skates are available on site to rent. Call (605) 626-7015 to verify the schedule, especially on Saturdays during hockey season.

BINGO

Every Thursday except Thanksgiving

6:00 PM

Aberdeen Moose Lodge

$21 for one packet

 Thursday nights are Bingo nights at the Moose Lodge. The event kicks off with two warmup games followed by 20 regular games.  605.225.5185

INTRO TO ASL CLASS

December 5

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

ARCC

$20 donated to Children’s Miracle Network

 A class for beginners to learn basic American Sign Language skills. Ages 14+. Call the ARCC at 605.626.7081.

BIG IDEA COMPETITION

December 9

8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Johnson Fine Arts Center, NSU Free event

 Young entrepreneurs from across the region put their best business ideas forward for the chance to win cash prizes and scholarships. Come see what they come up with to solve problems using technology and business.

INMATE ART SHOW

Mid-November-December

Weekdays 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

ARCC Gallery

Free admission

 An annual art exhibit with works of all mediums made by inmates in facilities across South Dakota.

 605.626.7081

VIRTUAL STORY TIME

Every Tuesday in November

10:00 - 10:30 AM

K.O. Lee Aberdeen Public Library

Facebook Page

Free event

 The young and young at heart can hop on Facebook on Tuesday mornings for live stories, songs, and special guest appearances.

 605.626.7097

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

December 12

8:00 - 10:00 AM

Bramble Park Zoo, Watertown

 Have breakfast with Santa and his animal friends at the zoo. Create a holiday craft, have your picture with santa, and say hello to the zoo animals. Tickets are required.

www.brambleparkzoo.com

FRONTIER CHRISTMAS

December 12

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Fort Sisseton Historic State Park Free event

 Step back in time to an 1860s Christmas with roasted chestnuts, sleigh rides, and a visit with Santa.

 605.448.5474.

 Frontier Christmas

 Breakfast with Santa

TIPS FOR GIVING DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON

KNOW who you are giving to and why.

WATCH OUT for solicitations that do not provide solid contact information.

UNDERSTAND applicable tax incentives, such as the $300 above line tax rebate allowed through the CARES Act or for those over 70 pulling from a retirement fund tax-free for donating purposes. (Talk to a tax profession or financial advisor with questions.)

GIVE because it feels right and not because of pressure.

2020: A Time to Reflect

It goes without saying that the year 2020 will be one that we will not forget. Headlined by social movements trying to bring about change, a presidential election, and, not to mention, a worldwide pandemic. Yes, the year 2020 will be examined in the history books for many reasons.

Locally, in the 57401 area, most of us experienced disruption in our normal daily routine this past year. On March 13, 2020, inclass instruction ended at schools. Masks, daily counts, and terms such as “asymptomatic” became commonplace. Wedding plans, family reunions, and human interaction all changed almost overnight.

There are very few institutions that were not impacted this year. The non-profit sector is no exception. In an effort to collect information on the impact of Covid-19 on our local United Way

agencies, we asked them a simple question: “Has your agency been effected by the COVID-19 pandemic in your fundraising efforts in 2020? If so, how much has your agency lost or gained in fundraising efforts?”

The impact was profound.

For the 20 local agencies that the United Way helps support, well over $1 million in budgeted fundraising revenue was not collected. Many of the agencies are facing closing out the year 20-50% below their project fundraising revenue for 2020.

There has been some glimmer of hope for our non-profits, though. This past spring, the United Way Covid-19 relief fund provided over $126,000 in grants to non-profits. Federal assistance programs helped many businesses, both profit and non-profit, bridge the gap with the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs. Federal food programs ensured kids and families would not go hungry during this time. And creative partnerships were formed to help one another. When Meals on Wheels faced a driver shortage due to the pandemic, the city’s Ride Line program stepped up and drove routes and delivered food to many of the most vulnerable folks.

As we look to close the door on 2020 and move to 2021, we hope that we emerge stronger. During this time of giving, please remember those that give so much to others.

If you have questions about giving or want to know more about giving opportunities in our area, please feel free to contact the United Way office at 605.225.0212. Have a happy and blessed holiday season. //

The economic impact of Covid-19 on local non-profits and tips for giving this holiday season. by UNITED WAY STAFF

 Mother and son duo Lincoln End Of Horn (left) and Tomee Brown (right) sort donations at Safe Harbor.

Photo courtesy of the United Way

TIMES GONE BY

When it comes to local art, one rarely thinks of Facebook as the place to display it. For Kevin Kendall, the Facebook group “You Know You’re From Aberdeen, SD If…” turned out to be the perfect place to showcase his art for many Aberdeen locals to recall memories of times gone by.

Kevin’s art is unique to Hub City. He colorizes and edits historical photographs of Aberdeen and restores them. It’s not as simple as taking any old picture and putting color over it in Photoshop. The photo must have clarity. More often than not, Kevin spends more time repairing and restoring the image before coloring it, and having a good foundation is vital

for any of his pieces to come out accurately and just how he wants them. “If I know the date the picture was taken, I try to use colors that were available during that time. Also, if it’s a picture that someone knows what the colors were, that helps me a lot,” Kevin said. He utilizes charts and gauges of colors for exteriors like brick or siding and shingles on roofs. “I would say that about 80% of the time, I have to choose the coloring myself.”

He uses a few tricks to turn some black and white shades back into the right colors, and that’s his biggest priority when it comes to historical photos: accuracy. But if a picture is missing a corner, Kevin will take artistic

liberties to make the image look complete by adding his own structures or whatever else is needed. “I will try to use as much of the original photo as possible, but if I want to spark a memory, I will add certain items or even people to make the photo appear as if it’s actually a memory come alive,” said Kevin.

“I started working with Photoshop about 20 years ago. At first, I just did the usual cut and paste with pictures for fun, but when I realized you could paint on a picture, I started restoring old family photos,” Kevin explained. As time went on, Kevin began to work on historical photos of Ellendale, North Dakota, his hometown. After attending college in Wahpeton, Kevin moved to Aberdeen in 1972. “Aberdeen was like this big city to us growing up, so it felt natural to end up here,” Kevin said. Much like the photos he posts in the Aberdeen group, Kevin also posts regularly in the “You Know You’re From Ellendale…” group. In these Facebook communities, people began to take notice of the care and detail Kevin put into each picture.

Local artist Kevin Kendall looks to memories as inspiration for bringing historical photos of Aberdeen back to life. by KARLIE SPIRY

 Kevin Kendall restores color to old Aberdeen photographs to help people preserve memories and relive parts of their lives by just looking at a picture.

Photo by Troy McQuillen

“When I started doing these types of pictures, I wanted to not only share my work, but I also wanted to learn more about the way people remembered certain times of their lives that are associated with different places and people,” Kevin said. The Facebook group, “You Know You’re From Aberdeen, SD If…” has over 8,000 members, and posts are made regularly every day about Aberdeen history. The most obscure of Aberdeen’s facts to common knowledge can be found in the group’s search history, but members will also share personal family photos and the memories that accompany them. It’s these memories that keep Kevin inspired, and seeing how people relate to one another through memories, and in some cases, even reconnect over social media after years of no contact, have been the best results to come from his art. Being able to restore parts of Aberdeen’s

Local Art Galleries

WEIN GALLERY

Presentation College

1500 North Main Street 605.229.8349

Mon-Fri 8 AM-5 PM

PRESIDENT’S GALLERY, JFAC GALLERY AND STUDENT CENTER GALLERY

Northern State University 1200 South Jay Street 605.626.7766

President’s Gallery: Mon-Fri 8 AM-4:30 PM, JFAC Gallery: Mon-Fri 8 AM-4:30 PM, Student Center: Mon-Fri 7 AM-4:30 PM and weekends 1-9 PM

LAMONT GALLERY

Dacotah Prairie Museum

21 South Main Street 605.626.7117

Tues-Fri 9 AM-5 PM, Sat and Sun 1-4 PM

ARTWORKS CO-OP GALLERY

Aberdeen Mall

3315 6th Ave SE Suite #48 605.725.0913

Thurs-Sat 11-6 PM & Sun 12-6 PM or by appointment

JANE WEST GALLERY

Capitol Theatre 415 South Main Street 605.225.2228

history through photos has been an honor for Kevin. “Both my mom and dad suffered from dementia and couldn’t remember the good or bad times of their lives, so I know how important memories can be in old age. By colorizing these pictures, it gives the viewer a whole new look at a time that’s gone by, and it lets them relive parts of their lives with just a look at a picture.”

Kevin’s art was previously on display at the historic Ellendale Opera House and the Ellendale Coleman Museum. He donated around 100 prints to the opera house as part of a fundraiser, and they made 26 canvas prints that were displayed. The few prints that found their way to the museum were on display from November of last year until earlier this summer. There are plans to dedicate an entire room to Kevin’s artwork at the Opera House in the future. //

Open during events, call ahead for additional hours of operation

ARCC GALLERY

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Mon-Thurs 9 AM-8 PM, Fri 9 AM-5 PM and Sat 10 AM-12 PM

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Mon-Thurs 7 AM-7 PM, Fri 7 AM-9 PM and Sat 8 AM-9 PM Sun 9 AM-2 PM

A Storybook Land Christmas

Crochet hand puppets are the newest creation in a history of Oz Christmas connections.

ind Storybook Land’s yellow brick road and sunny playgrounds fading from memory around the holidays? Well, the inspiration for our local Storybook Land’s theme, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, has a lot to offer at Christmastime.

CBS broadcast the movie in early December during the ’50s and ’60s, and Linda Elsen remembers watching that broadcast every year.

“It was a family affair,” she said.

For the special occasion, her grandpa and grandma came to visit. The kids sipped bubbly, sweet pop and had buttery popcorn.

Six-year-old Linda grinned ear to ear at her favorite scarecrow dancing across the TV set. She thought, ‘If he got a brain, there’s hope for me too.’

Scarecrow’s relatable personality inspired Linda to work hard in school to grow her own mind. She even taught herself to crochet.

by JENI FJELSTAD

That skill would eventually lend her the opportunity to contribute to the Oz legacy and give back to Aberdeen.

in 1888 to start an imported goods store and later took over the Aberdeen Saturday Pioneer.

The novel inspired other authors to continue the characters and magical world of Oz long after Baum’s original series.

For more than 50 years in Aberdeen, felt Christmas ornaments depicting Oz characters have raised money for additions to Storybook Land.

The Storybook Land sewing group first assembled in 1967, but by 2018, the group had dwindled. The continuing legacy of the ornaments threatened to cease, and Barb Imberi knew she could help.

In 2019, Barb decided to revitalize the ornaments’ creation with new makers and caretakers for them. Eager to continue a rich legacy and spread some holiday cheer, some Quilt Guild members agreed to help, too.

OUR OZ HOLIDAY LEGACY

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was published in 1900 and adapted to the popular musical in 1939. L. Frank Baum based Kansas, as described in the book, on his time in the Dakotas, where he moved

At Winterfest, Barb helped sell the ornaments, and a man walked up to the booth with an unexpected memory. The ornaments reminded him of crocheted hand puppets he had bought at a rummage sale. Barb thought they were adorable and snapped pictures of the toys.

But Barb decided to carry on the Oz legacy in a different way: hand puppets.

The only problem — Barb doesn’t crochet.

–LINDA ELSEN

I hope [the puppets] bring back memories for a lot of people.”

 Linda Elsen, Cindy Haliburton, Barb Imberi, and Theresa Fjeldheim pose in the Dacotah Prairie Museum gift shop with the Wizard of Oz puppets. These handmade collectibles have revitalized the original Storybook Land sewers’ Christmas ornaments of the same characters.

Photo by Troy McQuillen

REIMAGINED PUPPETS

So, she called up her cousin, Linda Elsen.

Linda’s time to help with her hook and yarn had finally come. Like the scarecrow skipping down the yellow brick road, she felt eager to begin a new challenge. The activity filled her quarantine and gave her an excuse to get out to Hobby Lobby for some more yarn.

Barb came to her with only a picture of what the puppets should look like. The characters’ arms are open wide, they have red smiles, and each has a little ball for a nose.

Linda sat down with her graph paper and Barb’s photos. Counting each stitch the length of a square, she penciled in Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, Glinda, Wicked Witch, and the Wizard.

Trial and error ruled the project. Linda looked at Dorothy and puzzled about how to create her iconic brown pigtails. After attaching the yarn braids, she realized it looked silly to not have the back of her head match the hair. So, she redid the back of the puppet’s head in brown.

her legs in between sets because each puppet takes five to seven hours of concentration.

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE...

Just three miles down the road is Storybook Land, which will benefit from the proceeds, and brims with kids following the same yellow brick road as the characters had in the movie.

The children of Linda’s nephew come from Moorhead to visit Storybook Land each year.

The puppets have everything the museum looks for in an item: community support, local history, and fun.

The Storybook Land gift shop sells the puppets, too. Barb said she feels they would make great gifts and toys for kids visiting the campsite or park.

While Barb manages the business side, Linda’s biggest goal is for people to love the puppets as much as she does.

That was much better.

“I hope [the puppets] bring back memories for a lot of people,” Linda said, “I hope they create new memories for their children and their grandchildren.”

Her favorite character, Scarecrow, has big blue eyes and a carrot nose, a blue outfit, and a yellow belt. Glinda has a gem in the middle of her white crown. Tin Man carries his axe, and of course, Wicked Witch has a mint green complexion.

Creativity in designing her own pattern isn’t new to Linda, who often creates blankets for newlyweds or babies. The extra project had her craft supplies spilling out of the designated craft room and into the living room.

Boxes of yarn sat all around, and the TV hummed as Linda crocheted 12 puppets of each character. She often paced the house to stretch

“I love seeing the kids’ faces when they push the button and they hear the giant talking or go to the castle or go through Dorothy’s house,” Linda said. Keeping in mind the future of their operation, Linda wrote out instructions to go with the sketches for other puppet committee members to use because the group of women helping with the project is expected to grow. But after months of concentration, the pattern and steps are branded on Linda’s mind, so she doesn’t even look anymore.

The reincarnation of Storybook Land’s classic fundraiser now supports two vital community organizations — the museum and the theme park.

Dacotah Prairie Museum bought the items in July to resell in the gift shop. The profit from the original sale supports Storybook Land, and Dacotah Prairie Museum keeps the rest.

“You can tell that these are high quality and have expert craftsmanship,” Patricia Kendall, director of Dacotah Prairie Museum, said.

“I would love to see a puppet show with them being used,” Linda said.

All Linda wants for Christmas is her family all together. Hopefully this season, all eight grandkids will gather around her at the end of the long, strange year. Maybe they’ll even pop in her favorite classic Christmastime flick, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. //

 To purchase these puppets, call Dacotah Prairie Museum at 605.626.7117 or stop by either gift shop. Shipping options are available.

 Each puppet in the collection depicts a figure from the Wizard of Oz and is crocheted by hand.

 It takes about five to seven hours of concentration to handcraft each puppet.

 The purchase of every puppet supports the Dacotah Prairie Museum and Storybook Land.

Photos by Troy McQuillen

The Best Shows on Hulu Right Now

by JAMES HEISINGER

Thanks to the pandemic (maybe you’ve heard of it?), I’ve started to watch more and more on Hulu this year. Luckily, it seems like the more I watch, the more I seem to find great shows and movies across many genres. And for only $6 a month ($12 for commercial-free), it's more than worth the price. A few shows and movies really impressed me: Mrs. America, Normal People, and The Assistant.

 NORMAL PEOPLE 12 EPISODES

I watched all 12 episodes of Normal People in less than two days because it was just that good. Normal People is adapted from the novel of the same name by Sally Rooney, a remarkably compelling Irish teen romance about Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Connell (Paul Mescal), a couple who weave in and out of each other’s lives from their last years in school and throughout their twenties.

Marianne is a brash, super smart but ridiculed girl while Connell struggles with his insecurities. It’s this distinction that separates and divides them during their relationship and manifests itself in other difficulties as the show progresses. It’s a fantastic watch, heartbreakingly nostalgic, and full of youthful melancholy.

 THE ASSISTANT 87 MINUTES

 MRS. AMERICA 9 EPISODES

Mrs. America stars a perfectly cast Cate Blanchett as Phyllis Schlafly, the 1970s conservative activist who led a fight against the Equal Rights Amendment. At over nine episodes, the story follows Schlafly’s battles with prominent feminists Gloria Steinem (Rose Byrne) and Betty Friedan (Tracy Ullman).

The show has its ups and downs, but overall, it’s pretty great. It’s very much performancedriven, and Cate Blanchett is just phenomenal. She’s as good as she’s ever been, whether it’s movies or TV, embodying Schlafly so totally and fully, it’s uncanny. There isn’t a misstep in Blanchett’s performance. She makes watching the series worth it on her own.

Mrs. America isn’t a complete historical account of the battle over the ERA, but it’s certainly a harrowing look back on another time. The series takes its liberties with history, but any plot point or character added is for the best. The few fictionalized characters allow the show to delve deep into the core ideas the series wants to look at – were the women campaigning against the ERA acting in their best interest?

Writer/Director Kitty Green’s The Assistant is the best movie you can watch on Hulu right now. Period. Green’s narrative debut is an extremely subtle story about an office assistant, Jane (Julia Garner), as she goes throughout her workday and eventually discovers that her boss has been fostering a culture of sexual harassment, and the company’s assistants are at the center of the harassment.

It’s more than easy to say The Assistant is a “boring” movie where “nothing happens,” due to the way the story plays out, but I can assure you it is so much more. This movie is a strikingly tense, thoughtprovoking thriller that takes a genuinely nuanced approach to its subject material and themes. It has so much to say if you’re willing to look for it, and I promise looking for those messages will make your viewing experience even more rewarding. //

If there was ever a time to be looking for movie and TV recommendations on Hulu, this would be it.

 Cate Blanchett as Phyllis Schlafly in Mrs. America.

 Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones in Normal People.

 Julia Garner in The Assistant.

A MINISTRY OF PRESENCE

ABERDEEN AREA CHAPLAIN CORPS SERVES ABERDEEN FIRST RESPONDERS AND CITIZENS ALIKE.

by PATRICK GALLAGHER

It’s been said, “80 percent of life is just showing up.” Jay Rossman, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church and member of the Aberdeen Area Chaplain Corps speaks of a “ministry of presence”— just being there. However it’s described, when it comes to Aberdeen’s first responders and the citizens they encounter, the chaplains are definitely there. While still relatively young, the Chaplain Corps has had impact. “I wouldn’t know what to do if we didn’t have the chaplains,” commented Aberdeen Police Chief Dave McNeil. “I wish it would have been in place when I started.” Although it officially formed in 2016, Chief McNeil says it started 10-15 years ago when Pastor Jon Droege’s Aberdeen Christian Fellowship Church held appreciation events for the police department. The chief saw a need for that kind of connection. “Police are always touching people’s lives. For example, in a death, the officer tries to do the best but always has a dual role and then has to leave. I saw chaplains having a role as bridging that gap.”

 Pictured left to right are members of the Aberdeen Chaplain Corps with members of the Aberdeen Police Department: Jay Rossman, Deputy Brian Koens, George Parmeter, JoAnn Lehrkamp, Brad Kingsriter, Brian LaCriox, Officer Brad Ziegler, and George Shaver. Photo by Troy McQuillen

DIVINE APPOINTMENT

Pastor Droege, who is now retired from church ministry, wonders if it was a divine appointment that brought him to chaplaincy. “Our church was thinking and praying about how to connect with the community. Then the chief contacted me about serving as chaplain for the department. I agreed, and then the fire department heard about it and asked if I could be their chaplain, too.” He added, “I tried, but I couldn’t cover both, and that was kind of the birth of the Corps.”

Jay Rossman remembers he had recently come to Holy Cross and was attending a regular meeting of local clergymen when Jon announced the idea of a first responders chaplain group. Before long, they set up a training with a national trainer who works with similar chaplain programs around the country. The sessions covered ministering to first responders as well as many aspects of the first responders’ jobs. They were also trained in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), which is a way of

working with groups and individuals after a major stressful incident. Jay is now certified to do training for first responder chaplains in Aberdeen and elsewhere.

The training is key, says Deputy Brian Koens, “The job is to infiltrate our department, get to know our guys through the training so they can help deputies in time of need. That’s why the chaplains also train in doing our duties.” The chaplains continue to receive training, even in areas that might seem mundane. For example, chaplains must know what to do and where to stand during a traffic stop so they don’t cause a situation to go bad.

The Chaplain Corps serves the Aberdeen Police Department, Brown County Sheriff’s Office, Aberdeen Fire and Rescue, and the Aberdeen district of the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Chaplains are assigned to specific departments, but they are also on call for the other departments. About 15 chaplains have participated, some having left the program.

 Aberdeen's new fire chief, Joel Weig, with chaplain George Parmeter.

Photo by Troy McQuillen

ABSORBING THE LIGHTNING BOLT

The primary job of the chaplains is to serve first responders and to address the mental health of law enforcement officers. Deputy Koens explained, “Deputies face an extraordinary amount of stress on the job. It’s well known that many law enforcement officers are guarded by nature and can have trouble opening up about their trauma to a psychologist, spouse, or friends.” He adds that suicide in law enforcement is high. According to Blue H.E.L.P., in 2019 alone, 228 current or former police officers took their own lives. “Many officers shove that stress away and I want to know how I can help my fellow deputies,” said Deputy Koens. So, he signed on as the Sheriff’s liaison to the Chaplain Corps. The Chaplain Corps serves as a step between talking to a family member or psychologist or attending an Employee Assistance Program for first responders.

Deputy Koens said, “I’ve seen and done things I wouldn’t want anyone else to experience, and those things come with a toll.” In the past, he says the solution for law enforcement was to just get over it and move on, but Deputy Koens recognized a need for more than that. “The jewel

of the Corps is that the chaplains get to feel, see, smell, and taste what we have to do. They witness the stress and then they can help level the stress out.” Jay describes the experience as absorbing the lightning bolt – the first strike each situation will have on the family and the officer.

The trust between the chaplains and police officers didn’t happen overnight. “When we started the program, the understanding was that it would take five years to break down the shell of the officers,” Jay said. Patience was emphasized and continues to remain a big part of the relationships formed between chaplains and police officers. Jay added, “The biggest thing really is patience because you are breaking into their world. It’s little steps, one officer at a time, one crisis at a time. That can be frustrating for chaplains.”

Father George Parmeter, a retired Episcopalian priest, who has served in law enforcement chaplaincy programs in other communities and now chaplains for Aberdeen Fire and Rescue, explained, “My ministry to them is getting to know each of them and the conditions they work under so they are comfortable having me around and can trust me

to do what will be beneficial and safe. It’s about developing a trusting relationship, letting them know I’m somebody they can talk to, maybe goof around with.”

Jay said, “As we move from organization to organization, we’re developing more expectations for how chaplains do the job.” Most importantly, Jon says chaplains must understand the challenge of the job, “You’re going into a guarded, protected community. The expectation is that you’re willing to go where the average community person can’t and to go in a time of crisis. It’s not for everyone. You have to be able to respond in a level-headed, gracious, compassionate way to a crisis situation.” The chaplains aren’t there to represent a denomination or to make conversions of faith. “We’re here to walk with you and provide spiritual, moral, and social support,” said Father Parmeter.

The chaplains are helpful in all sorts of situations, and Police Chief McNeil believes they provide extra help in the most tragic of these circumstances. “It can be horrific, and chaplains can be there to help,” he said. Deputy Koens agreed, “Jay came along to a scene where a family member of the deceased was there, and

he worked with the person while we worked on investigative things.” Severe, critical incidents in Aberdeen have almost always involved a chaplain. Fortunately, those incidents aren’t an everyday occurrence. Jon said, “The chaplain’s role is crisis demand-based. We can go months without a call, so we may just do station visits to drop off cookies.”

OTHER DUTIES

The chaplains find many ways to help, even if it’s just preparing a meal for first responders. Father Parmeter said, “I’ve cooked for the three shifts on occasion, visited the stations regularly, participated in training events, and been available to the families of the department if needed.” In addition, he said, “During the Malchow’s fire, the chief asked me to do crowd control so I helped explain to the crowd what was going on, and I made sure firefighters got water, food, etc.”

Brad Kingsriter of Aberdeen First Assembly Church said, “Not only are chaplains there for the first responders, we are also there for the general public who may be experiencing lifechanging events as well.” Death calls are a big part of the job for the chaplains

Chief McNeil said, “When officers meet with citizens about details and mechanical things, they’re less focused on the emotional. Chaplains can get to the emotion.” The benefit is the chaplain can stay there and be present

while officers go off shift or attend another call. The chaplain stays to help with the ‘what do I do now?’ questions.” Jay explained, “Our goal is to stay until their pastor or caregiver comes and takes them to the next step. It’s the ministry of presence. Sometimes we don’t say anything, and they say thanks.”

Chief McNeil notes that the chaplains have been especially helpful in relations among diverse cultural groups in the community. “They’ve helped bridge gaps in communication, built trust, and have stayed committed to cultural groups.” He mentioned the shootings on the east side of town a few years ago, which injured both a citizen and a police officer as well as damaging property. “Members of a cultural group worried they would be blamed or would be victims. The chaplains helped bridge the gap and let them know the Aberdeen Police Department serves the whole community,” Chief McNeil said. The chaplains worked with the group’s religious leader to make that connection. “This was a good example of the role of chaplain: we don’t wear a badge, don’t carry a gun, so we’re not intimidating to a person on the street.”

Service to the community is clearly part of why the chaplains do what they do. In part, that comes from the churches they serve. “They provide time and resources for us to participate and extend the congregation’s impact out to the community. It’s bigger than just the chaplains,” Jay said.

PEACE BRINGERS

Respect and love are part of it, too. Kevin Bergeson, of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, spoke of visiting the fire department: “I reached out to them, because as usual, many are working on holidays. It was Ash Wednesday, and I was so struck when I walked into the firehouse that these women and men would receive ashes on their foreheads as a reminder of our mortality. They live with ashes on their foreheads every single day. It is a calling to do the work they do and my privilege to show up and support them.”

Chief McNeil summed up the impact the Chaplain Corps has had on first responders,: “If we had started this 20 years ago, we might have kept more people in the department, saved marriages even, but I’m confident we’re making a difference now.” Jon agreed, “Chief McNeil’s’s vision and heart to care for officers and community has been vital for the group.”

Father Parmeter summarized the role of chaplains as: “You forget your denomination. You’re there to deal with hurt and pain of the moment and to try to let people know they’re not alone and let them know someone is there who cares for them. Blessed are the peacemakers, and if there’s anything a chaplain is there to do, it’s to bring peace to a situation.”

These folks clearly do more than just show up. //

 Chaplain Brad Kingsriter congratulates two new recruits to the Aberdeen Police force, Justin Mersier (left) and Clayton Innis at a recent swearing in ceremony.

Photos by Troy McQuillen

 Pictured are Chaplains Jay Rossman and JoAnn Lehrkamp with Deputy Linda Marcuson.

Making Spirits Bright

Whether it’s a Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve party, these festive drinks are sure to add cheer to any celebration.

recipes by KARLIE SPIRY and DANI MCQUILLEN photos by TROY MCQUILLEN

North Pole Nog

INGREDIENTS

• 6 oz prepared eggnog

• 1 oz spiced rum

• 2 oz bourbon

• Ground cinnamon for garnish

• 1 cinnamon stick for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

Stir together spiced rum, bourbon, and eggnog. Sprinkle cinnamon on top, and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

 Feast your eyes on the five delightful holiday drinks on the following pages, starting here with North Pole Nog.

Yuletide Mule

INGREDIENTS

• 1 solid Copper mug and ice

• 2 oz gin or vodka

• 4-6 oz ginger beer

• 2 oz cranberry juice

• 1 oz lime juice

• Frozen cranberries for garnish

• 1 rosemary sprig for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

Squeeze lime juice into the mug and fill with ice. Add gin or vodka, ginger beer, and cranberry juice over the ice.

Stir everything and then garnish with the cranberries and rosemary sprig. Then enjoy!

Baileys Christmas Coffee

SERVES 2 PREP 5 mins

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tbsp instant coffee

• 2 tbsp of sugar

• 2 tbsp of hot water

• 2 tbsp of whiskey

INSTRUCTIONS

• 4 tbsp of Bailey’s Irish Cream or to taste

• ¼ tsp of vanilla extract

• ½ cup of milk

• Chocolate gratings to garnish

Mix the coffee granules, sugar, and water together to combine, then start mixing the ingredients together on a low speed. Gradually increase speed as the mixture thickens until stiff peaks are reached. Add milk, whiskey, Bailey’s, and vanilla to a mixing bowl and stir well. Pour into a glass over ice until it’s ¾ full. Spoon a generous amount of the whipped coffee in the remaining ¼ of the glass. Grate the chocolate and garnish the top of the drink.

Naughty or Spice Glühwein

SERVES 8 PREP 10 mins COOK 10 mins

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups apple cider

• 1 (750-ml) bottle red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon

• 1/4 cup honey

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1 orange, zested and juiced

• 4 whole cloves

• 3 star anise

• Oranges, peeled, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine the cider, wine, honey, cinnamon sticks, zest, juice, cloves, and star anise in a large saucepan, bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.

Pour into mugs or glasses, add an orange peel to each and serve.

Apple Pie Cocktail

PREP 5 mins

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup Martinelli’s apple juice, heated

• 1 tbsp brown sugar or 1 square Kraft caramel

• 1 tbsp real butter

• 1 ½ oz Buttershots liqueur

• 1 ½ oz Fireball whisky

INSTRUCTIONS

Melt the butter and sugar or caramel together in a saucepan for multiple servings, or in a coffee mug for a single serving.

Heat the apple juice as well. Stir all ingredients together and serve.

All Hail Queens the

by KARLIE SPIRY photos by BREMER PHOTOGRAPHY

Hours of preparation go into this moment. Teen girls from across the state travel to Aberdeen for their chance to win a crown that even Elsa is envious of. They wear their best dress, don their finest shoes, and get glam for the occasion. Most of all, these ladies represent the very best of the communities they come from. They are the Snow Queens.

For the South Dakota Snow Queens (SDSQ), 2021 marks the festival’s diamond anniversary. It’s been 75 years since the first scholarship event was held in January of 1947 in Aberdeen. That year, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival approached Aberdeen with the idea of becoming a satellite for the Minnesota winter festival. It was a small but elegant affair in Aberdeen, with just a few contestants from the Hub City and surrounding area towns. The contest was decorated with leftover Christmas decorations, and the very first queen was Aberdeen’s Dorothy Lockington, who ousted 19 other girls vying for the crown.

In the contest’s 75 years, a lot of things have changed, but the values of the competition have remained focused on scholarship and character. At the 2020 festival in January, Chesney Olson of Langford was crowned queen, and Annika Estwick of Sisseton was crowned junior queen. Both competed against 30 other talented girls from across the state for their respective titles, and that’s not including the competition they faced at their hometown preliminary contests the month prior.

South Dakota Snow Queen is celebrating its 75th anniversary as a scholarship program full of opportunity for young girls across the state.

 Pictured L to R are: 2020 Princess of Winter, Sydney Jessen, Miller; 2020 Snow Queen, Chesney Olson, Langford; 2020 Jr. Snow Queen, Annika Estwick, Sisseton; and 2020 Princess of Summer, Avery Sylte, Ipswich.

outfits by LILY'S, MAINSTREAM BOUTIQUE, SKAL MOON, and THE FUZE

Debunking the Beauty Pageant

The Snow Queen Festival isn’t your typical beauty pageant. In fact, it’s not a beauty pageant at all. You won’t even find the word pageant used with the festival’s name. It’s actually a glamourous scholarship program that looks to the heart, character, and personalities of the young women competing while promoting strong South Dakota values like hard work, responsibility, and kindness.

Almost every girl to have competed in Snow Queen has her own success story. “Many have gone on to become lawyers, doctors, business owners, community leaders, and in the case of one queen, Governor of South Dakota. Governor Kristi Noem won Snow Queen in 1990,” said Elizabeth Flannery, president of SDSQ.

The Making of Queens

How does one exactly go about becoming a Snow Queen? It starts at the local level. High school senior and freshman girls are encouraged to compete in their hometown’s Snow Queen contest. According to Elizabeth, there are about 30 contests that take place each year across

South Dakota. The two lucky winners of their hometown contest can continue to the big festival held in Aberdeen at the beginning of each year. Once at the festival, it’s a weekend full of events, fun, and competition.

Contestants face several rounds of interviews that allow them to show off their personalities and for the judges to get to know them. “Being a well-spoken and well-rounded individual are just two of the things that our judges look for in winners,” said Elizabeth. The judges then observe the contestants while interacting with their “little sisters” at events like skating with Frosty or participating in craft projects at Colorful Creations throughout the festival weekend.

After the girls take their final walk across the stage, the judges confer who should be the winner. Of course, there is also the shenanigans with Frosty at each coronation, but more on the mysterious snowman later. After the winners are chosen, they must fulfill the role of being an ambassador of SDSQ. The two winners will receive a title, crown, and most importantly, a scholarship to any university of their choosing. The 2020 Jr. Queen and Queen received a $2,000 and $3,500 scholarship, respectively.

 Members of the Snow Queen Royal Family can travel around the state as ambassadors of the scholarship program.

 2020 Princess of Winter, Sydney Jessen, Miller. Wardrobe provided by Lily's.

 2020 Princess of Summer, Avery Sylte, Ipswich. Wardrobe provided by Mainstream Boutique.

 2020 Jr. Snow Queen, Annika Estwick, Sisseton. Wardrobe provided by Skal Moon.

Snow Queens are ambassadors of community service. Elizabeth said, “We believe in encouraging our Queens to be individuals and to be involved with things that matter to them.” The queens can choose charities and commit to charitable acts that can make a difference. Some past queens have visited nursing homes, while others have volunteered with church groups and read stories to children at the library. Every queen is a volunteer at the Brown County Fair, and they work with the fair board doing various things. This year, Chesney and Annika gathered facemasks and cleaning supplies that were donated to a local elementary school.

A Royal Family Affair

The Snow Queen royal family has grown over the

years. Back in the late ʼ40s, there was just one queen. Now, the festival features two queens, a prince, princess, and little sister categories to make up the figureheads of the Snow Queen royal family. The royal family also includes the secondary title winners of Miss Congeniality, and the runners up, who are titled Princess of Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. The Snow Queen royal family can travel around the state as ambassadors of the scholarship program.

But no Snow Queen family is complete without Frosty the Mystery Snowman, who is almost as old as the contest itself. Frosty was introduced to Snow Queen in 1948 and resides over each festival as a place of honor. The identity of Frosty is kept secret throughout the year until the night of coronation. He or she is chosen

“We believe in encouraging our Queens to be individuals and to be involved with things that matter to them.”

–ELIZABETH FLANNERY

 Back row: Dave Fischer and Heather Elsen, Ambassadors.

Front row: Annika Estwick, Jr Snow Queen, Emmit Hammond, Snow Prince, Chloe Reich, Snow Princess, and Chesney Olson, Snow Queen.

by the Snow Queen Captain and Guards based on contributions made to the festival, the community, and to South Dakota. Mike Carrels was honored as Frosty in 2020.

The Snow Queen Captain and Guards also serve an essential role in the myth surrounding Frosty. The Guards are made up of past Snow Queen Presidents and Ambassadors. They wear traditional guard attire on outings and speak for Frosty to keep his identity under wraps. The Captain also carries a stick that is passed along to the next. There has only been one instance in which Frosty’s identity was close to being revealed. It was 1973 at the Zebra Lounge in Aberdeen. As the legend goes, one of the guards broke a pool cue in half to defend Frosty from unmaskers. It was later revealed that the brave guard was Jerry Feickert, and he simultaneously saved Frosty’s identity and

created the tradition of the stick. The stick is exchanged between captains every year, and the original pool cue used by Jerry is on display at the Dacotah Prairie Museum.

Long Live the Queens

Of course, there is some uncertainty for Elizabeth in whether the diamond anniversary of the contest will happen in 2021. At the time of the interview in early September, not all of the details for the festival had been ironed out. Still, the Snow Queen Committee is continuing to be flexible, and ultimately doing whatever is

necessary for the girls to have the opportunity for their chance to compete. But don’t expect the larger festivals of yore. Elizabeth explained that even though this is the 75th anniversary, and South Dakota Snow Queen had plans to go bigger than ever before, “It’s not about what we want, it’s about providing these contestants a fun weekend, scholarship, and hopefully a bit of travel next year.”

That means scaling back, and possibly even broadcasting the coronation via livestream instead of hosting spectators in person. Of course, SDSQ would love to have a live, in-person audience, and so far, that’s still the plan. The livestream would be a backup option. Elizabeth said, “If this year has taught us anything, it’s that things can change quickly, and we need to be prepared for whatever January brings.” As for precautions, the Snow Queen Committee is continuing to work on it. “We have cute snowflake face masks for the contestants, and we have more rooms rented to space them out. We are still working on the logistics of group activities,” Elizabeth said.

Elizabeth credits Snow Queen’s longevity to the hard work and passion volunteers have put into the scholarship program over the years. “There is a strong belief in opportunity for each contestant to succeed,” she said. When the new Snow Queens are crowned in early 2021, they will have a long legacy steeped in tradition to uphold. But they’ll be able to do it because in every woman there is a queen. //

 For more updates on the upcoming SDSQF, or to become a sponsor, contact Elizabeth at sdsnowqueen@gmail.com, or visit The Official South Dakota Snow Queen Festival on Facebook.

“There is a strong belief in opportunity for each contestant to succeed.”

–ELIZABETH FLANNERY

 South Dakota Snow Queen isn’t a beauty pageant but rather a scholarship program. Queens receive a $3,500 or $2,000 scholarship to any university of their choice.

An Audience Queen with the

2020 Snow Queen, Chesney Olson, shares moments from the Snow Queen Festival and offers sound advice for future contestants in an Aberdeen Magazine exclusive.

Q:What has been your favorite part about being Snow Queen?

A:My favorite part about being Snow Queen has been being able to interact with kids of all different ages from different backgrounds. It has been really rewarding to see their faces light up when we ask to take a picture or just simply take the time to talk to them and get to know them.

Q:Do you remember what you felt when the MC called your name as the winner?

A: When the MC announced my name, I was a little bit shocked. I wasn’t expecting him to call my name. I just remember the girls around me congratulating me and being extremely happy for me, and I think that was what I will remember the most. To see these girls that I had just met a few days prior show so much joy and support was an amazing feeling. From that moment on, the entire night was overwhelming, to say the least, but in a good way. My friends, family, and community showed so much love and support, and it made me feel so lucky to have such great people around me.

Q: Other than winning, what was the most memorable part of the festival for you?

A: One of the best parts of the entire weekend would have to be meeting so many phenomenal girls and creating

lasting friendships. I can honestly say that I met some of my best friends at the state Snow Queen Festival, and I will forever be thankful for that. Our group of 30 girls became so close to one another in such a short amount of time, and that is something so special.

Q:How did you prepare for the festival?

A:I honestly didn’t think so much about preparing for the festival. I went into the weekend focused on being myself and creating new friendships. In all honesty, winning was not my first priority. Representing my community and my family well was at the top of my list, and after that, I wanted to stay true to myself and make new friends.

Q: Do you have any advice for future contestants?

A: My advice for future contestants is to not focus so much on winning but focus on creating the best experience. You only get to participate in something like this once, so take advantage of this opportunity to make your families and communities proud and to meet some great people, not just the girls there, but also the chaperones, the previous queens, and everyone giving up their personal time to make the experience great for you. I believe that making the most of your experience is what you should strive for, and if you do that, then you’ve already won. //

 Meet 2020 Snow Queen Chesney Olson of Langford! Wardrobe provided by The Fuze.

ABERDEEN'S 2020

RINGNECK RUSH

Opening weekend is behind us, but the traditional pheasant hunting season continues through January 31. Whether you’re a guest or a local in Brown County, this page is your quick guide for all things pheasant hunting in the Aberdeen area. //

The Basics

SHOOTING HOURS: 10:00 AM Central Time - sunset

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:

Residents: Small Game License, any Combination License, Youth Small Game License, or 1-Day Small Game License .

Nonresidents: Nonresident Small Game License or Nonresident Youth Small Game License (each valid for two 5-day hunting periods; start dates must be identified before license is issued). Multiple licenses may be purchased to hunt more than the two 5-day periods allowed by one license.

DAILY LIMIT: Three rooster pheasants

POSSESSION LIMIT: 15 rooster pheasants, taken according to the daily limit.

Local Sporting Goods Providers

Dunham’s 605.229.3023 www.dunhamssports.com

Jim’s Gun and Service Center 605.225.9111  Jim's Gun Service Center

Ken’s SuperFair Foods 605.225.6671 aberdeen.kenssuperfair.com

Kessler's 605.225.1692 www.kesslersgrocery.com

Runnings 605.226.2600 www.runnings.com

SoDak Sports 605.996.0316 www.sodaksports.com

Walmart 605.229.2345 www.walmart.com

Young Guns 605.725.2506 www.yggunsmithing.com

Where To Hunt

Watch for these signs to know what type of land you’re hunting.

WALK-IN AREAS

These are privately-owned lands leased for public hunting access by the SDGFP. No further permission is required from landowners to hunt these areas.

CREP (CONSERVATION RESERVE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM)

Administered by the Farm Service Agency, these are another example of privately-owned lands leased for public hunting and fishing access.

ABERDEEN PHEASANT COALITION LAND

Found throughout the county and marked with teal green boundary signs and SDGFP walk-in signs, these sites are privately-owned and open to public hunting access through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).

GAME PRODUCTION AREAS

These outdoor regions are managed for the production and maintenance of wildlife. The Casanova Game Production Area, located southwest of Aberdeen, is one of the best state-owned lands for pheasant hunting.

Hunting Lodges in Brown County

Base Kamp Lodge (Groton) basekamplodge.com

Flatland Flyways (Hecla) flatlandflyways.com

Foote Creek Bed & Breakfast www.footecreek.com

Half Cocked Lodge (Mina) www.halfcockedlodge.com

Pheasant Country Hunts (Aberdeen) www.pheasantcountryhunts.com

Pine Shadows Daybreak (Frederick) www.pineshadows.com

Rivett Refuge Lodge (Mina) www.rivettrefugepreserve.com

Royal Flush Hunting Lodge (Stratford) royalflushhunting.com

Wyly Farm & Ranch (Aberdeen) wylyfarmandranch.com

DECK THE HALLS

Kristen Kwasniewski and Eric Myers share their beautifully decorated home near Rolling Hills Golf Course in Aberdeen.

story by KARLIE SPIRY photos by TROY MCQUILLEN

For Kristen Kwasniewski, moving from Chicago, Illinois, to Aberdeen, South Dakota, was an easy choice to be with her fiancé, Eric Myers, and his two children Ryleigh and Mason. The couple met at a concert in Iowa in 2016 and got engaged a year later. Kristen made the move from the Windy City to the Hub City at the beginning of 2018.

Rather than search for a new house together, Kristen moved into Eric’s home next to the Rolling Hills Golf Course. “We decided not to look anywhere else because of the wonderful community we live in already,” said Eric. He bought the condominium in January 2016 as a private sale. At the time, he was looking for a house in a neighborhood he and his kids could grill out and watch golfers on the ninth hole, while also having plenty of space to entertain. Since Kristen has

 Kristen and Eric use five different Christmas trees throughout their home, each with a different theme. This dog-themed tree in the entry hall is a great hangout spot for their two puppies, Axl and Slash.

 Special place settings and centerpieces set the scene.

moved in, the family has worked together to make the home theirs by renovating it themselves and creating tons of memories.

Kristen, the general manager of Mavericks and the DEC, and Eric, vice president of franchise sales and development at My Place Hotels, enjoy the holidays and spending time with their blended family and friends. One of the highlights of their holiday season is decorating their home together. “It’s quite the event,” said Kristen. The couple uses five Christmas trees throughout their home, the biggest standing at 12 feet tall. Countless strings of lights, baubles, Kristen’s impressive Nutcracker collection, and tons of personal Christmas memories tied to each item fill each themed room throughout their home.

Decorating is important for Kristen and Eric, but organization is key to ensuring everything goes smoothly for the couple when keeping track of everything for

 Nothing says home for the holidays like plenty of snacks and goodies to mark the occasion.

 Every item on display is tied to a personal memory.

Christmas. To tackle all their decorating, they first pull out all the boxes from storage and place them in each specific room. “The first place to be decorated is the family room,” said Kristen. This is the home of the 12-foot Christmas tree, and it’s Eric’s job to put the remarkable tree up. Kristen then starts bringing out all the décor and arranging it around the room. As a family, they work together to decorate the tree. Each room has a particular theme, with the family room inspired by traditional Christmas. The 12-foot Christmas tree was Kristen’s first tree she bought in Chicago, and over the years, she has bought ornaments to make it a showstopper at family get-togethers during the holidays.

Throughout the rest of the year, Kristen has utilized an organization system to keep all her decorations tidy, and she learned the handy trick from her mom, Joneen. “Use color-coded plastic bins and label them! I use red and green bins for Christmas, brown for Thanksgiving, blue for the Fourth of July, black and orange for Halloween, and clear bins with pink lids for Easter. It’s fool-proof,” Kristen said. //

 Kristen’s Nutcracker collection surrounds a tree.

 One area of the home is adorned in traditional Christmas garland and lights, while another showcases The Grinch.

 The lower level includes a Grinch tree along with many other Grinchthemed decorations.

 Kristen and Eric welcome holiday guests through their front door with lights, a wreath, and an impressive Nutcracker figure.

 Top: Their tallest tree stands at 12 feet and is placed next to the cozy fireplace. More nutcrackers adorn the mantel. Every room, shelf, and corner of the couple's home includes some touch of Christmas decor. Above: Axl sits under the dog-themed tree, along side a sleigh filled with dog treats.

SOMETHING ABOUT A PRESIDENT

HUB CITY HOSTS POTUS by PATRICK GALLAGHER

t’s unlikely that either major presidential candidate will visit Aberdeen on his campaign this fall, but it would not be the first visit by either a candidate or a sitting president to the Hub City. And the city likes to put out a good welcome. As one reporter prefaced a story on a presidential visit some 80 years ago, “The Northwest by tradition is the farthest removed from monarchs and royalist things, but there is something about a president…”

Five presidents have come to Aberdeen while in office: William McKinley (1899), Theodore Roosevelt (1903), William Howard Taft (1911), Franklin D. Roosevelt (1936), and George W. Bush (2002). While other men who would become or had been president also visited, the focus here will be on those by sitting presidents.

The visits were typically brief, ranging from fifteen minutes to nearly seven hours. Almost no presidential action is without some politics, but most of the visits had a policy reason. Only Bush’s 2002 visit was openly political as it was for a campaign rally. Yet only Bush’s visit occurred more than two years before his own reelection. All the others were within what has become the campaign timetable norm. So politics was never out of the picture.

William McKinley: October 14, 1899

Apparently, the first presidential visit and the first speech in South Dakota was made by William McKinley in Aberdeen (his train stopped in Groton to take on his greeting party, but there are no reports of a speech or appearance there). Altogether, he made 14 stops in South Dakota, north to south, and spoke in 11 towns. His Aberdeen visit was to welcome soldiers returning from the Spanish-American War. The First Regiment included more than 500 soldiers from much of eastern South Dakota.

Any such visit requires a lot of planning. For a city of 5,000, the number of planners named in the paper exceeded 200, suggesting as much as 4% of the town helped. In addition to assembling a large greeting assemblage of veterans, students, and dignitaries, the planners arranged for five blocks of bunting on Main Street between Railroad Avenue and the Grain

Palace at the southwest corner of Fifth Avenue and South Main Street.

The McKinley party arrived at the Milwaukee Depot at Railroad Avenue and Main Street at 8:00 a.m. The troops reached the Northwestern Depot at First Avenue and South Dakota Street an hour later to an apparently resounding reception: “No returning soldiers of any nation ever received a more glorious welcome to their homes than was given by these great crowds as the boys left the cars.” The soldiers then marched in a parade, joined by schoolchildren, Civil War veterans, and ultimately the president and his party. Upon reaching the Grain Palace, “As Major McKinley stepped upon the reviewing stand the vast crowd broke into outbursts of cheers such as had not been heard before.” A note on “Major”: McKinley was the last president to have served in the Civil War. The only one to have started as an enlisted soldier, he rose to

the rank of Major. Estimates said 20,000-30,000 people were there.

After being introduced by the mayor, McKinley gave a short speech lauding the soldiers’ bravery and patriotism. Speeches by five other politicians followed. Afterwards, McKinley boarded his train and left, but the soldiers got a meal of turkey, ham, and oysters.

Reviews of the event were exemplary, in the cheerleading style of newspaper writing of the day: “Every person who was in the city Saturday, from President McKinley down, expressed the highest admiration for the manner in which the reception of the chief executive of the nation and the state’s beloved heroes was planned and carried out. Every detail was arranged to perfection.” Another noted that Aberdeen “will hereafter be marked with a star and be designated the biggest, most enterprising, and most patriotic city of 5,000 souls in existence.”

For the view from outside media, who were always of interest in the coverage: “The representatives of Chicago and New York papers, who have been with the president’s party since it left Washington, pronounced the affair the most perfect of any of the scores of receptions Mr. McKinley has met on his trip.”

Theodore Roosevelt: April 6, 1903

In the next year, McKinley’s running mate, Theodore Roosevelt, came to Aberdeen

          

during the 1900 campaign (he also spoke from the Grain Palace). McKinley again defeated William Jennings Bryan, who had campaigned in Aberdeen during his unsuccessful 1896 race against McKinley. In September 1901, Roosevelt became president after McKinley’s assassination, and he came back to Aberdeen in 1903.

For a 15-minute visit, explained the headline of a story about its planning, “Nothing Elaborate to be Attempted, Owing to Short Stay of President, But It Will Be Rouser.” Much of the rousing came from railroad whistles and cheering fans: “Whistles announced the approach of his train, while people perched upon house-tops, telephone and other poles and points of vantage heralded his arrival to crowds below by waving flags and vociferous cheering.”

Starting in Sioux Falls, “President Roosevelt’s trip through South Dakota, from south to north, was one grand ovation.” He made 14 speeches during the day: “brief, rear-end talks at most places” (one hopes this means from the end of a train). He arrived in Aberdeen about 7:30 p.m. and spoke briefly: “President Roosevelt had not the time, if he had the inclination, to discuss governmental affairs or policies in his speech in Aberdeen last night, but his talk was one which could not but reinforce his hearers’ belief in the American people and give them a higher ideal of American citizenship and the destiny of the United States.” He also commended South

Dakotans “on the quality and quantity of their children, and it will be admitted that I am a fair expert in the matter of children.” (Maybe a laugh line as he had six children.) After the speech, the train headed for Fargo after a brief stop so Roosevelt could greet the militia on the way out of town.

A year later, the president overcame a dumpRoosevelt movement to secure the nomination. He was aided by the death of Ohio Senator Mark Hanna, who had guided McKinley’s rise to the White House but had desperately opposed Roosevelt’s ascendance to the ticket when McKinley’s first-term vice president died. A progressive unpopular with the conservative Republican establishment, then-New York Governor Roosevelt was nonetheless promoted for the second spot by a New York Republican senator who wanted him out of the way. Hanna responded, “Don’t any of you realize that there’s only one life between that madman and the Presidency?” After the convention, a calmer Hanna wrote to McKinley, “Your duty to the country is to live for four years from next March.” Sadly, the president only lasted six months. In November 1904, the 46-year-old Roosevelt handily defeated his 80-year-old opponent, with 71% of South Dakota’s vote.

Other Presidential Visits— Before or After Taking Office

Several other presidents visited the Hub City before or after they served.

HARRY TRUMAN: October 22, 1944

Train stop for a pheasant sandwich on campaign as FDR’s running mate.

JOHN F. KENNEDY: JUNE 18, 1960

Campaigning for president

RICHARD NIXON: APRIL 26, 1968

Campaigning for president

RONALD REAGAN: JULY 23, 1975

Spoke in Aberdeen prior to his formal campaign against President Gerald Ford for the 1976 Republican nomination.

BARACK OBAMA: MAY 31, 2008

Campaigning for president.

BILL CLINTON: JUNE 2, 2008

Campaigning for wife Hillary Clinton for president.

 To say a large crowd gathered to meet President William McKinley during his stop in Aberdeen in 1899 would be a gross understatement! Only 5,000 residents lived in the city at the time, and between 20,000-30,000 people flocked to Main Street for the 1899 event. Courtesy Dacotah Prairie Museum.

 The Grain Palace was once again the stage when Teddy Roosevelt came through Aberdeen in 1900.

William Howard Taft: October 23, 1911

President Taft’s trip began in Massachusetts, went to the West Coast, and visited Aberdeen on the way back. On this day, Aberdeen was his seventh stop and speech, including some one-minute stops for speeches. Plans were big: “Everything possible is being done to make the affair a gala day for all who come to the Hub city to hear and see the president. The general committee is planning many interesting sights and amusements to entertain the public in the

afternoon until the main attraction, President Taft, arrives.”

In addition, “The visit to Aberdeen is to be one of the notable ones of his entire western tour and his address here is to partake of the nature of a keynote speech.” In fact, Taft made three speeches during an extended stop in the Hub City. Visiting media again were of interest: “The importance of this trip may be judged by the fact that all of the news agencies and great metropolitan papers have their best political writers represent them, that nothing of significance may be overlooked.”

Another paper referred to “two score newspaper men from outside the state.” Despite all this attention, Aberdonian enthusiasm about the visit, or lack thereof, was a concern of coverage, something of a departure from the glowing accounts of previous visits.

Taft arrived at 5:30 p.m. and promptly traveled

to Northern Normal and Industrial School to speak on the value of schools in fostering citizenship to more than 1,000 “cheering and enthusiastic students” from Northern and the public and parish schools. This had to have been a brief speech, because the president made it to the Commercial Club at First Avenue and South Lincoln at about 6:00 p.m.

At the Commercial Club, more than 12,000 “enthusiastic Americans” packed the streets. “Members of the president’s party declared that the crowd was by far the largest in the state and larger and more enthusiastic than any which he had met since leaving Portland, Ore.” On the other hand, one paper reported, “The crowed which greeted the president as he mounted the balcony of the club did not seem as enthusiastic as the occasion would warrant…applause was infrequent and not very enthusiastic.”

In likely the most substantive presidential speech delivered in Aberdeen, Taft spoke about international peace, focusing on proposed peace treaties that called for international conflicts to be arbitrated by a commission, which would wait a year before rendering judgment. Explaining the delay, he described a man coming home from work angry and taking it out on his family until the

 President Taft (extreme left) is seen here in 1911, disembarking from the depot. Photo courtesy of Barb Frank.

thinking over his “utterly indefensible attitude [helps him] realize what an inevitable ass” he is. Taft added, “What is true of an individual is true of a nation.” Against Senate reluctance to accept third party arbitration, Taft argued, “we ought to be willing to be defeated sometimes in order to make progress.” Taking a “heads I win and tails you lose [approach] is not a step in the direction of peace,” he said. In an American Exceptionalist conclusion, he proclaimed that “God has not given us all these resources, this great people, this opportunity, without charging us with responsibility in respect to it.”

A few hours after the speech, the Commercial Club hosted a banquet at 9:00 p.m. Those outof-town reporters uncovered a “social war” in Aberdeen over whether guests “should wear evening clothes” to the dinner. One farmer bought tickets so his farmhands could attend in their overalls “unless the ‘dress suit’ edict was enforced.” Not to worry, as one source reports, “two of the biggest clothing stores in town were kept open till late with a full line of evening clothes at marked-down prices.”

Taft’s banquet speech was a “forceful and convincing talk to business men about business.” He spoke about enforcing the anti-trust act,

restoring competition, and fixing the tariff. After the speech, at about midnight, the president boarded his train for Minneapolis.

Whether the Hub City was adequately enthusiastic or not, the president sent a letter to Aberdeen’s mayor expressing “my genuine appreciation of the cordial reception accorded me.”

Of the five presidential visitors to Aberdeen, only Taft lost his reelection bid. Despite having been Roosevelt’s designated successor in 1908, his policies irritated the Rough Rider, who, after failing to wrest the Republican nomination from Taft, ran for President on the Progressive Party (Bull Moose) ticket. Taft came in third, behind Roosevelt and the victorious Woodrow Wilson. The enthusiasm gap might have been real, as state Republicans declared Roosevelt to be their candidate, and the incumbent Republican president did not appear on the South Dakota ballot.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: August 28, 1936

Near the end of his first term, FDR took a tour of areas stricken by “drouth” (the pronunciation and spelling of “drought” at the time), coming to Aberdeen about a month after his re-nomination at the Democratic Convention. Despite the drought, rain and resulting mud prior to the visit

threatened to cancel FDR’s tour even as late as the day of his arrival. Some in the crowd waiting to see him gave him credit for the rain on the “dust bowl.”

FDR arrived at about 4:00 p.m. accompanied by some 40 newspaper writers and photographers for his three-hour Aberdeen stop. The visit began with a tour through Aberdeen’s business and residential areas. Viewers stood ten deep along his route: “the biggest crowd ever to line these streets.” When the motorcade came, “The long line of spectators stiffened as though an electrical charge passed among them, gaped a moment at the famous, though fleeting Roosevelt smile, and then broke into a pandemonium of clapping, shouting and hatwaving to shame royalty’s loudest ovation.”

The mid-1930s papers shared more critical comments in their reporting than had their forebears. One quoted an onlooker, saying FDR was just “flattering our ego so he’ll get our votes.” On the other hand, another story quoted a Washington reporter’s observation that “They hadn’t been in a town where the parade and affairs were managed so smoothly.”

FDR also visited the Works Progress Administration dam at Richmond Lake and

Service Is Our Business

a farmer, whom he impressed by asking “the questions another farmer would if you met him.” When Roosevelt returned to Aberdeen, crowds still lined the streets. Just before departing, he responded to calls of “Speech!” with a five-minute, apparently unplanned, talk from the rear of the train. He said he would “take back to Washington ‘a picture of people with courage and their chins up’ who are going to see the drouth through. ‘And I’m going to help,’ he declared.” Altogether, some 40,000 people saw him in town and countryside.

Less than three months after his visit, FDR won what was at that point the largest electoral vote sweep since 1820 (when James Monroe had, essentially, no opponent and won all but one electoral vote), including South Dakota’s then-four electoral votes.

George W. Bush: October 31, 2002

As drought was a concern of FDR’s visit, it was on the mind of some spectators on the next presidential visit to Aberdeen. Some 66 years later, President Bush came to NSU’s Barnett Center on Halloween in 2002 to campaign for Republican candidates. Farmers as well as Aberdeen native Senator Tom Daschle, then-Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate, were disappointed that the president’s speech didn’t address the agricultural problems farmers were facing. In fact, the rally drew a small protest from farmers wanting emergency drought aid, machinists complaining about jobs lost overseas,

and protests against an imminent war in Iraq. Times had changed. Reporting of earlier visits of presidents of both parties was mostly uncritical, but coverage of Bush’s visit—which was also much more partisan than its predecessors—quoted more local complaints, especially about logistics and security. Barely a year after 9/11, open presidential events were a thing of the past, and attendees needed tickets. Most tickets were distributed in advance, and 1,000 were to be handed out first-come first-serve the day before, but many in line left with nothing but hard feelings in sub-freezing temperatures. Then on the day of the event, many ticket holders didn’t get in because security couldn’t get bundled-up people through the line fast enough to stay on schedule. Hundreds were literally left out in the cold.

Again, the presence of more than 30 outside media people, including New York Times and foreign reporters, drew local attention. The Aberdeen American News’ Scott Waltman noted that one member of the national press corps said of South Dakota, “It’s not as bad as I’d expected.”

Temperatures were in the teens when Bush arrived. Hundreds of people guessed where they could catch a glimpse of the motorcade as it made its way to NSU. Security had kept the route secret. Viewers camped at Animal Health Center at Sixth and Melgaard were disappointed to see the cars leave the airport through a west gate onto Melgaard Road. On Melgaard, First Baptist School students had planned well, standing outside with signs to greet the president. At Melgaard Park, the motorcade turned north on

Lloyd and weaved its way to the Barnett Center. Some 7,200 people attended the rally and loved it, many standing on their feet throughout. The -president proclaimed, “Your duty is to cast a vote on November 5,” he said. “And I’ve got some suggestions for you.” That would be John Thune for Senate, Bill Janklow for U.S. House, and Mike Rounds for Governor. “These good people are going to get elected,” Bush pronounced. Altogether, Bush’s visit lasted about two hours. As a political event, the costs were borne by the Republican Party and the campaigns. After the visit and the ticket problems, there were reports that the Party would open a Bush visit to Sioux Falls for turned-away Aberdeen guests. The upshot of the Bush visit is unclear. Janklow and Rounds won their elections handily, but Bush’s trifecta prediction fell short as Thune lost to incumbent Senator Tim Johnson by a mere 532 votes. One might be tempted to recall those hundreds of disgruntled ticket holders, but a Libertarian candidate’s 3,000 votes is a more likely the cause.

If a president again decided to make a visit, Aberdeen would again put its best foot forward. As that early reporter summarized: “There is something about a president…that a king would envy.” //

 Note: This story looks back at these visits through the lens of newspaper reporting on the events. In the spirit of brevity, the newspaper sources here are not identified, but most information and quotations come from The Aberdeen Daily News, Aberdeen Weekly News, or Aberdeen American News.

 People lined the streets to catch a glimpse of Franklin D. Roosevelt as he returned to the Chicago and Northwestern depot on Dakota Street in 1936. Photo courtesy of Tom Brothers.

 President George W. Bush spoke at the Barnett Center on behalf of John Thune and other Republican candidates in 2002.

Photo courtesy Northern State University.

Greetings from Aberdeen

New Downtown mural attracts dozens of contest entries.

by DANIEL WISE

Greetings From Aberdeen originates from a time when America’s travel culture started to boom.

Businesses sold illustrated postcards to tourists at this burgeoning time for adventure. These old-fashioned postcards are widely collected and the style inspires community artwork all over the world. It was in the time of quarantine that Troy McQuillen had an idea. He was inspired by his own postcard collection to bring Aberdonians together by creating a community center-piece in the form of a mural.

Troy has Aberdeen’s original “Greetings From Aberdeen” postcard from the 1940s in his collection. He decided to create something that would pay homage to a time when people could travel without a care in the world and see the sights. Little by little, he designed a new “Greetings From Aberdeen” card that features Aberdeen’s iconic scenes of today. From our state bird to Twist Cone, Troy captured many landmarks that define Aberdeen.

The artwork became a mural destined for the side of his building at 423 S. Main Street. He wanted to create a Downtown attraction and give people a chance to show off their hometown pride. To draw attention to the new mural the idea became a contest. The rules were simple: throughout the month of September, take a picture in front of the mural and post it to social media with the hashtag #GreetingsFromAberdeen. On Thursday, October 1, Tess Van Der Bel was randomly selected as the winner of the contest and a $500 cash prize.

Aberdeen Magazine received dozens of photo submissions, including groups from local organizations. Not wanting to leave them emptyhanded, we awarded the participants free shirts from our University of Aberdeen branded apparel.

We would like to thank everyone for participating in this photo contest. Having people in Aberdeen come together despite the troubles in the world is what makes this city is so special. //

To Our Sponsors: Thank You!

Aberdeen Magazine would like to express our gratitude to all of our sponsors over the years. A special thank you goes out to our sponsors in 2020. It has been such an unpredictable year, but your unwavering support has made it possible for us to continue bringing the best of Aberdeen to light.

The Hub City started as a boomtown with the railroad and continued to prosper off the hard work of those who took their fortune into their own hands by opening a business. Today, small businesses like those listed below, and the individuals who operate them, are still the heart and soul of Aberdeen.

To everyone who sponsored Aberdeen Magazine in 2020: Thank you. We are proud to stand with you as a part of our city’s vibrant small business community. //

Aberdeen Magazine Sponsors

Aberdeen Area Arts Council

A.C.T./Capitol Cinema

Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce

Aberdeen Downtown Association

Aberdeen Floral

Aberdeen Health & Rehab

Aberdeen Parks & Rec

Aberdeen Police Department

Aberdeen Public Schools Foundation

Aberdeen Regional Airport

Aberdeen University Civic Symphony

Aberdeen Wings

Adam & Eve Styling

Salon & Wig Center

A.N.N. Bookkeeping

Avera

Biegler’s C&S Motorsports

Big Fella’s

Black Knight Pools & Spas

Brown County

Chiropractic Society

Brown County Fair

Carrels & Bain Family

Dental Care

Climate Control

Colorful Creations

Conklin Clinics

CorTrust Bank

Cultural Heritage Center

Curt’s Motorsports

Dacotah Bank

Dacotah Prairie Museum

Dakota Broadcasting

Dakota Counseling Group

Dakotaland Federal Credit Union

Dakota Music Academy

Dakota Wild Decorative Concrete

Danger von Dempsey’s

Domino's

Double D Body Shop

Eide Bailly

Expetec

Finishing Touch

First Premier Realty

Great Plains Bank

Great Western Bank

Haggerty’s Music

Harms HVAC

Harr Motors

Healthcare Plus

Federal Credit Union

Heal to Toe Foot Zone Therapy

Heart & Sole Foot Zone Therapy

Helm Marine

Hitch’n Post

HKG Architects

Horizon Health Care

House of Glass

Hub City Radio

Inman Irrigation

Insurance Plus

JR’s Furniture

Ken’s SuperFair Foods

K.O. Lee Aberdeen Public Library

Lang's Audio, TV & Appliance

Lily’s

Living Art Dance Studios

Lutheran Social Services

Mainstream Boutique

Mickelson Realtors

Midstates/QQP

Natural Abundance

Ophthalmology Associates

Perkins

Precision Auto Detailing

ReadiTech

RhodesAnderson

Rob Stiehl State Farm

Sander’s Sew-N-Vac

Sanford

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary

Schwab Audiology

Scotty’s

Shanty Haven

Shoe Science

Skal Moon

South Dakota Film Festival

Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home

Swede’s Body Shop

Taco John’s

The Fuze

The Main Frame

The Suzuki Piano Studio

Travel Leaders

Ultimate Kitchen & Bath

U.S. Army Recruiting Station

West Oak

Woehl Construction

Woodman Refrigeration

We Want to Hear from You!

Aberdeen Magazine wants to hear from its readers! Do you have a topic you want us to cover? A critique of something we could be doing better? Or do you simply want to gush about everyone’s favorite, locally owned magazine in Aberdeen? Then tell us about it! We love letters! If you want to go the traditional route and send a letter, the address is:

Aberdeen Magazine

423 S Main Street Suite 1 Aberdeen, SD 57401

We get it. Letters are a little old fashioned and not for everyone. That’s perfectly okay. You can send an email to jenny@aberdeenmag.com or troy@mcquillencreative.com and one of them will get back to you faster than you can say “Grab it! Read it! Share it!” You can always reach us on social media, too. Find us on Facebook and Instagram by searching for Aberdeen Magazine and send us a message.

by Eliot Lucas

The kids have decided to do Thanksgiving over Zoom this year.

after Rockwell